Punches and Pirouettes |NOMIN|

Chapter 21

Jaemin's cheeks grew hot as he realized what Jeno had just said. He hadn't meant to out them like that, but the words had slipped out in the heat of the moment. He turned to Jeno, his eyes wide with shock and a hint of fear at the potential fallout.

Donghyuck's expression shifted from confusion to horror, his eyes darting between the two of them. "You two are together?" he sputtered, his drink splashing in his haste to set it down.

Jeno's grip on Lucas's wrist tightened, but it was the dancer's words that had him looking over his shoulder. "Donghyuck," he began, his voice firm.

But it was too late. Donghyuck had already bolted from the table, his eyes wide with shock and horror. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the now silent karaoke bar as he shoved his way through the crowd, the door slamming shut behind him.

Jaemin's heart dropped, his eyes following the path his best friend had taken. "Donghyuck," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. He turned to Jeno, his eyes pleading. "I have to go after him."

Jeno nodded, his jaw still tight from the confrontation. "I know," he said, his voice gruff. "But be careful."

Jaemin didn't wait for another word, pushing through the crowd and out into the cool night air. The streets were empty, the neon lights of the bar the only source of color in the darkness. He scanned the area, his heart racing. "Donghyuck?" he called out, his voice echoing off the buildings.

For a moment, there was no answer, just the distant sound of a car engine and the rustle of leaves in the wind. Then, a figure emerged from the shadows, a few paces down the street. It was Donghyuck, his shoulders hunched, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

Jaemin rushed over, his heart racing. "Donghyuck, wait!" he called out, his voice desperate. "Please, let's talk."

Donghyuck spun around, his eyes red and glossy with unshed tears. "What the hell, Jaemin?" he demanded, his voice shaking with emotion. "What's going on with you and Jeno?"

Jaemin felt his own eyes sting with tears, the weight of their secret now heavier than ever. "We are a couple," he admitted, his voice trembling.

"I Don't want to talk to you right now." Donghyuck said with tears in his eyes.

Jaemin felt a cold knot form in his stomach. He had never seen his best friend look at him with such hurt and betrayal. "Donghyuck, please," he said, his voice soft. "Let me explain."

But Donghyuck was already backing away, shaking his head. "I don't want to hear it," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I have to think about it"

Jaemin felt a stab of pain, his heart racing as he watched his best friend disappear into the night. He knew he had hurt Donghyuck, but he had never meant to keep the truth from him. He had just been afraid of how he would react, of losing the only person who had ever truly understood him.

The cold rain sobered him up as he made his way back to the karaoke bar, the neon lights casting a sad glow on the wet pavement. When he walked back in, the atmosphere had shifted. The laughter and music had been replaced by an awkward silence, the weight of what had just happened hanging heavily in the air.

Mark was hovering by the bar, his eyes filled with concern. "Is everything okay?" he asked as Jaemin approached, his voice low.

Jaemin nodded, trying to compose himself. "I just need to talk to Donghyuck," he murmured.

Jeno knew that Donghyuck's reaction was to be expected, but the thought of causing pain to the one person who had always had his back was unbearable. He turned to Mark, his eyes searching for understanding.